Amanda Gorman’s inspiring words at President Biden’s inauguration (How Amanda Gorman became the voice of a new American era, 22 January) made me realise how much we in the UK have been missing the kind of public oratory which gives hope and energy.
For nearly a year now, our lives have been constricted and our behaviour controlled by suddenly imposed rules, threats of fines or arrests for not obeying them, and zigzagging commands about what we must or must not do.
Ministers’ words have generally run a gamut from the dreary recital of data to bursts of blame and warnings of catastrophe. Any parent who kept their children in line with such negative tactics would be considered lacking in psychology.
Where is spiritual leadership, vision for the future, genuine empathy for everyone’s troubles? Who could galvanise us to work together to find the safest way forward?
The pandemic has traumatised people. Who can put our hopes and aspirations into words?
Susan Tomes
Edinburgh
